The Russian Invasion Continues! Bellator 92 Highlights

Posted: March 8, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Marlon Sandro is a warrior!

Marlon Sandro is a warrior!

The Clinch Report by Jonathan King Photos by: John Walsh

Bellator MMA Championship tournaments have been on an exciting run of late showcasing some of the best MMA fights ever to be seen on live television. Since the company has moved over to Spike TV, the organization has seen a revolving door of exciting fights, and stunning upsets, most of which have ended in highlight real KO’s. Can this trend continue?  The Bellator matchmakers seem to think so, but maybe that is because they are sitting on a “Golden Goose” so to speak.

Since Bellator joined the foray on SpikeTV, filling the vacancy left by the UFC, it seems almost ever single fight has been an exciting one. One reason for that is the matchmakers at Bellator seem to have discovered a hidden vault of  vicious unheard of fighters from the “New Brazil” as Bjorn Rebeny said. Where is the “New Brazil”? It very well could be Russia.

For years the Heavyweight division in MMA was dominated by one man. Fedor Emelianenko may be the most popular Russian mixed martial artist of all time, but following him are a cadre of talented fighters, with varying styles. Most of these fighters seem to be ending up in Bellator.

With Bellator’s debut on SpikeTV the world became exposed to this Russian invasion for the first time, and many including most ring side reporters were shocked. Heading into that night MMA legend Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral was the favorite to win the light heavyweight tournament. That night he was supposed to run through his unknown opponent, however Mikhail Zayats had other plans. The heavy handed Russian dispatched ‘Babalu’ with vicious strikes that left the legend in a crumpled heap, and the fans with their mouths agape. The only people who were not surprised, were the Bellator match makers who all week were lauding the power and skill of the underdog Zayats.

Last nights Bellator 92 featherweight and Middleweight tournament Semi finals featured more of the same. Akop Stepanyan started the Russians contingent off on the right foot, by laying heavy hands on Chris Saunders early and often. Eventually finishing the fight with a liver splitting kick that Saunders complained caught him low. After the ref said fight on, Stepanyan dropped some academic ground strikes that forced the stoppage, but the highlight reel kick is what finished the fight.

Sultan Aliev was next set to face Doug Marshall in a battle for the Middleweight Tournament Finals. Aliev used his impressive wrestling and sambo skill, to smother the explosive Marshall. With the crowd booing and Marshall complaining to the Ref, Aliev seemed content to grind out a decision against the heavy handed striker. However, he stopped advancing positions, and began to receive warnings from referee Herb Dean.  As the second round wore on, several times the ref stopped the action to restart the fighters standing. On the restarts, Marshall showed his explosive power often landing heavy hands before again being dragged to the mat. The third round saw a much more aggressive Marshall swinging for the fences. As the round came to an end, Marshall dropped some heavy hands on Aliev as he pulled guard. Once the split decision was read in favor of Marshall he seemed more surprised than anyone. Aliev, although dominant like his fellow Russians, fell short on the judges score cards, but most who saw thought he won the fight.

The headline fight of the evening featured Marlon Sandro vs ‘Frodo’ Khasbulaev. The winner of the fight would move on to the featherweight semi finals. For Sandro, this is a familiar position. In the past he had come up one fight short, in tournaments past. His return to the finals, was being blocked by a relatively unknown fighter, once again from Russia. Both fighters were extremely strategic, with their positioning, and soon it became clear that a Sambo v BJJ clinic would ensue. An inadvertent early low blow by Sandro almost stopped the fight, as Khasbulaev rolled in agony for several minutes. But after 5 minutes he was able to continue.

Both fighters used effective sweeps to gain control, Khasbulaev at one point used a kimura sweep to put Sandro in deep trouble as he cranked the arm. Sandro however used his own sweeps to attack a triangle that ‘Frodo’ escaped quickly. The second round saw more take downs by Khasbulaev but again Sandro seemed to escape every precarious situation including a crucifix position, that saw multiple right hands bounce off of his forehead. The third round was more of the same, but now Sandro seemed to be tired. Khasbulaev controlled the Brazilian on the ground, and again secured an arm that left Sandro defenseless against several right hands, prompting Referee John McCarthy to stop the fight.

With the win, Khasbulaev secures his spot in the featherweight finals, and for a chance at the 100,000 dollar prize for winning the most exciting tournament in all of Mixed Martial Arts. With Khasbulaev, and Zayats in the finals of their tournaments, and with Alexander Shlemenko as a champion, Bellator may have found the new Brazil buried in the arctic landscape of Russia.

Bellator 92 Live Updates

Posted: March 7, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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Rocky Ramirez  (204) Vs  Brandon Halsey (205) Light Heavyweight

Rd 1: Big left hand from Ramirez, prompts Halsey to shoot, and he lands the takedown in side control now. Mount as Ramirez rolls, Halsey lands big elbows, Vicicous ground and pound by Halsey. Ramierez gives up his back, both hooks are in as the chokes is applied, but Ramirez defends well. Ramirez escapes but Halsey wont let him up, and again is looking for the back.  Stuck half way between the back and mount,  the round comes to an end. We give it to Halsey 10-9 Halsey but easily could have been 10 -8

Rd2: Round starts with both fighters pawing jabs. Halsey shoots again and immediately returns to a dominant position. Now in Side control, Halsey again starts the ground and pound.  Big elbows for Halsey land. Halsey dominating once again. Ramirez seems to have no answer for Halsey’s ground game. Halsey with more elbows, that seem to have caused a Huge hemmatoma over Ramirez’s eye. Round comes to an end, another dominant round for Halsey. 10-8

Rd3. Immediately Halsey takes the fight to the ground. This time he is able to secure an arm in choke. Ramirez taps at .50 of round 3.

Winner: Brandon Halsey via Arm in Triangle Choke :50 rd 3

Shad Smith  Vs Aaron Miller Featherweight Bout

Rd1: Smith pushes the early action as Miller lands leg kicks moving backwards. Still moving forward Smith lands a big one, two. More leg kicks from Miller, this time to the outside. Smith starting to land with more consistency, as Miller continues to back pedal. Fight goes to the ground, with Miler landing in side control. Miller looking for a kimura, but Smith defends well. The round comes to an end tough round to score. 10-9 Smith

Rd2: Miller able to secure an early take down. Now in Smith’s guard, but not much happening. Miller transitions to the back, Smith defending well, but no Miller flattens him out. Big elbows to the side of Smiths head. More elbows, but Smith covering up well. Miller than grabs a hold of a leg, and starts looking for the knee bar. Looks deep as the round ends. 10-9 Miller

Rd3: Again Miller able to secure a take down, as Smith pulls guard. Miller looking to transition to the mount, but defended well by Smith. Smith turns the table and momentarily looks for the arm bar. Miller escapes, and now back in Smith’s guard. Smith is able to transition to the back. Again looking for the knee bar, but Miller lets it go and decides to pursue the choke instead. Miller looks for an arm, and softens Smith up with a few hammer fists as the fight comes to an end. Miller 10-9

Winner: Aaron Miller via Unanimous Decision

Josh Appelt  Vs Manny Lara Heavyweight Bout

Rd1: Lara slams Appelt agaisnt the cage looking for an early take down. Appelt defends well, But Lara has a double leg, and immediately parlays it into a take down. Appelt back to his feet, and lands a big right hand. Appelt now on Lara’s back as both fighters go to the ground. Appelt Postures and lands big punches from the side. lara back to his feet as the clinch ensues. Appelt switches positions and gets another take down, and begins to land left hands to the head of his grounded opponent. Lara storms back landing heavy hands that has Appelt on his bicycle. Lara catches him again with an illegal blow, and referee Big John stops the action. Action resumes and Appelt again in side control as the round comes to an end. 10-9

Rd2: Apelt looks for another take down, as Lara lands Hammer fists in response. Appelt  on top again, and landing elbows and left hands to the mid section of Lara. More ground and pound from Appelt, as Lara looks to get back to his feet. Lara reversed and starts to land lefts and rights as he takes Appelts back. Late flurry may have stole the round for Lara, however Appelt controlled most of the round so we see it 10-9 Appelt

Rd3: Fighters hug to start the round. Appelt with a nice jab. Lara responds with a front kick and leg kick combo that lands. Lara with his back against the cage seems to be playing possum, but Appelt isnt buying it. More jabs from Appelt,and a nice right cross. Appelt again able to drag Lara to the mat. Appelt landing punches to the head of Lara as Lara flails he clips  Appelt low stopping the action again. Appelt bull rushes on the restart pushing Lara against the fence. Lara jockeying for an escape, but Appelt wont let him go, and takes him back to the mat. Now in side control, But Lara is gets back to his feet and starts swinging for the fences, some of them land clean as Appelt retreats. Too little to late. Appelt 10-9

Winner: Appelt via Unanimous Decision 30-24 (two fouls)

Richard Rigmaden Vs Keith Berry Middleweight Bout

Rd1: Big right hand by Rigmaden gets Berry’s attention as he shoots and immediately drags the fight to the ground. Berry working in Rigmaden’s loose guard. Berry grabs an arm, and rolls to the opposite hip, forcing the tap.

Winner: Berry via Submission (Kimura) 1:20 Rd 1

Akop Stepanyan  Vs Chris Saunders Lightweight Bout

Rd1: Both fighters feeling each other out, as action starts off slow. Stepanyan landing snapping kicks, as Saunders is moving to his right, then starts moving to his left. Stepanyan looking to load up on his right hand, but Saunders moving swiftly. Head kick by Stepanyan lands, as Saunders starts to work his own leg kicks. Stepanyan countering well, and landing the heavier shots so far. Spinning back fist by Saunders just misses. Big liver kick by Stepanyan. and follows with a high kick to the face. Stepanyan with a standing guillotine, but the round comes to an end. Stepanyan 10-9

Rd2: Saunders again starts with the leg kicks as Stepanyan counters with a jab cross combo. Saunders mid section showing the sings of Stepanyan’s kicks.  Kick lands low on Saunders and Referee John McCarthy stops the action. Touch of the gloves, and action resumes. More kicks from Stepanyan find their mark.Spin kick just misses, as Stepanyan chops a leg that momentarily drops Saunders. Another head kick from Stepanyan, prompts a shot from Saunders but, Stepanyan gets away. More kicks from Stepanyan have Saunders midsection looking very red. Saunders lands a nice leg kick as the round comes to an end. 10-9 Stepanyan

Rd3: Saunders starts the round with some urgency, and catches Stepanyan dropping him with a left momentarily. Now Stepanyan drops Saunders for a second with a counter right hand. Both fighters trade kicks, and Saunders with another to Stepanyan’s liver. Saunders now the much busier fighter, as Stepanyan is picking his shots methodically. Saunders goes down from a low blow, but Big John doesnt see it, Stepanyan re engages, and starts dropping lefts and rights to the grounded Saunders, they seem academic. Big John Stops the fight.

Winner: Stepanyan via TKO 3:50 rd 3

Sabah Homasi Vs Ricky Legere Welterweight Bout *Legere missed weight(sacrafices 20% of his purse)

Rd1: Homasi takes the center of the cage only to be pushed back by Legere. Big knee by Homasi lands, but Legere still in control. Another knee y Homasi stagger Legere momentarily. Inside elbow by Homasi lands. Followed by a pne two combination. Legere shoots, and slams Homasi to the mat. Transitioning to the back Legere has both hooks in. Elbows from Legere land, as Homasi covers up. More hammer fists as Herb Dean looks in. Homasi is in trouble. Legere looking to choke, but then decides to soften him up with punches. End of the round finds Legere on top and in control 10-9 Legere.

Rd2: Homasi starts with a leg kick jab, that pushes Legere back. More heavy hands from Homasi force Legere to shoot, and he successfully get Homasi down, and achieves mount. Legere stuck in half guard, looks to mount and does. Hip escape by Homasi fails. Legere transitions to the back, and again starts softening Homasi up with hooks to the side of the head. The choke looks like its deep, and it is. Homasi is forced to tap.

Rd3:

Nick Piedmont (146) Vs Cleber Luciano (144.6)

Popo Bezerra  Vs Mike Richman Featherweight Tournament Semi Finals

Rd1: Popo starts out with a leg kick, as Richman switches stances. Popo shoots, but Richman defends well momentarily, than lands on his back but pops up quickly. Popo holding on to the single leg, as Richman looks to escape. Popo drags Richman to the mat, but again Richman wall walks back to his feet. Popo brings it back donwn to the ground and takes Richmans back,. Richman defending the choke well. Richman sitting up, often to avoid the choke, but time ticks away and the round comes to an end. Popo Bezerra 10-9 in a very slow first round.

Rd2: Richman starts the round well landing jabs and crosses, but Popo counters well with movement. More straight lefts from Richman find their mark, as Pop is breathing with his mouth open. Richman finding success with straight punches. Popo is looking to load up, but is already showing signs of fatigue. Blood from Popo’s nose. Head kick by Popo lands. Fighters are trading single shots, with Richman looking the sharper of the two. Giving that frame to Richman 10-9

Rd3: Both fighters trading punches two and three at a time. Richman still utiliing those straight punches. Popo shoots, and gets a takedown transitionin from north south position to side control. Richman defending the mount, but Popo is scoring. Swiftly Popo transitions to the back, but Richman is hand fighting and using the cage well to avoid any damage. Richman reverses landing in Popo’s closed guard. Richman stands forcing Popo to rise.  More straight punched from Richman find their mark. No Popo is landing with the jab, Richman rocks Popo with a right. One two from Richman, Both fighter trade to the bell. Tough round and fight to score. We have the round and the fight going to Richman.

Winner: Via Split Decision Mike Richman 

Dan Cramer  Vs Brett Cooper Welterweight Tournament Semi Finals

Rd1: Cramer drops Cooper right away, but the ground game is underway. Cooper looking to scramble but  Cramer keeps him smothered. Cramer now transitions to the back and has both hooks in, however Cooper defending well. Cramer still looking to sink the choke, but Cooper with the switch, reverses position as the round comes to an end. 10-9 Cramer

Rd2: Round begins with both fighters engaged in a clinch. Cramers back to the fence, very little action, Cramer now reverses and begins to land lefts and rights. But back to the clinch. Knees from Cramer land, as Cooper starting to bleed. More big shots from Cramer. Cooper is in trouble, but will survive the round. 10-9 Cramer

Rd3: Cramer counters a looping Cooper right with one two. As Cooper retreats Cramer follows with a stiff left hand. Cooper secures a take down after a brief clinch, and lands momentarily in  Cramers closed guard before returning to their feet. Cooper lands a big right hand a left that has Cramer on dream street. He tries to stand but falls again, and again as Big John has seen enough, and steps in to halt the contest at 3:19 of rd 3.

Winner Brett Cooper via KO 3:19

Sultan Aliev  Vs Doug Marshall Middleweight Tournament Semi Finals

Rd1: Marshall starts out the aggressor, but Aliev drags the fight to the ground. Marshall trying to land from his back.  But Aliev is smothering him up against the cage. Marshall closes the guard and is looking for a triangle, but Aliev shrugs it off. Hammerfists land on Marshall’s jaw. Marshall trying his best to control Aliev’s posture. Marshall back to his feet as he glances at the clock. Knee to the body by Marshall. Back to the mat, where Aliev continues to control Marshall. Herb Dean looking for action, stands up the fighters. Marshall bull rushes but is sent to his back again as the round comes to an end. 10-9 Aliev

Rd2: Big head kick by Marshall rocks Aliev. Who looks to shoot again, as he again brings the fight to the ground. Now inside the closed guard of Marshall, Aliev begins jockeying for position.Herb Dean again calls for acton as both fighters are brought back to their feet. Marshall landing ones and twos, as Aliev again shoots successfully  but Marshall springs back to his feet. The round comes to an end, as both fighters look exhausted. 10-9 Aliev

Rd3: Both fighters touch gloves, as Marshall pursues Aliev across the cage. Aliev taking Mrashall’s back, but he is able to pop back up and lands a few hooks, as Aliev again looks for the take down. Marshall pressed against the fence as the crowd calls for action. Once again Herb Dean stands them up, and Aliev on his bicycle. Marshall again falls into the clinch of Aliev who again takes him down. Marshall busy from the bottom, landing lefts and rights. Big right hand drops Aliev and another as the bell sounds. 10-9 Aliev despite the late flurry by Marshall.

Winner via Split Decision Doug Marshall moves on to the tournament finals against Brett Cooper

Froddo Khasbulaev  Vs Marlon Sandro Featherweight Tournament Semi Finals

Rd1: Start of the round finds both fighters in the clinch. Low blow  by Sandro forces an early stoppage. Khasbulaev in obvious pain, as he is taking quite a bit of time to recover. Finally back to his feet, he looks like he is ready. Here we go. Sandro lands a nice left, but Khasbulaev scores a take down. Sandro back up, as he separates. Big right hand by Khasbulaev, who immediately grabs an arm. Armbar looks deep by Khasbalaev, But Sandro spins free. Sandro now working inside the guard of Sandro. Khasbalaev rollsm abd ends up on top with a deep Kimura that Sandro escapes. Now in the mount Khasbalaev rains down hammerfists as the round draws to a close. Khasbalaev 10-9

Rd2: Spinning heel kick by Khasbalaev misses. Left hand leg kick by Khasbalaev is countered by a left from Sandro. Back in the clinch, Khasbalaev again controls the Brazillian on the ground. Nice sweep by Sandro, finds him in Khasbalaev’s half guard. Sandro flattening out Khasbalaev and looking for the choke. Now transfers to the arm in choke, but Khasbulaev breaks free. Both fighters standing again. Three punch combo by Khasbulaev followe by another take down. The Russian is now posturing up and landing good strikes on the ground. Again Khasbulaev isolates an arm, but Sandro breaks away and grabs a single leg. Khasbulaev is able to sweep int half guard where the round comes to an end. 10-9 Khasbulaev

Rd3: Inside trip by Khasbulaev from the clinch finds the fight in familiar position. Sandro is in a tough position as Khasbulaev traps an arm and begins to land right hands to the side of Sandro’s head. Now standing Sandro cannot get away. Again Khasbalaev takes the fight down.  More ground strikes land, as referee Big John McCarthy steps in to stop the fight.

Winner: Khasbulaev via TKO Rd 3

Bellator 92 Middleweight Tournament Semi Final Weigh Ins

Posted: March 6, 2013 in Combat Sports
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Location: Pechanga Resort and Casino

Temecula, California

Bellator MMA has returned to Southern California with the Middleweight Tournament Semi Finals, that are set to take place at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula California. Only one fighter needed extra time to make weight, as Ricky Legere was 2 lbs over the 171 lbs limit. He will be given 2 hours to make weight.

The only other incident of note was chaotic exchange between ‘Popo’ Bezerra and Mike Richman. As both fighters approached  for the stare down, “Popo’ seemed to push a little too aggressively and Richman responded by shoving him. Quickly Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney created space by separating the featherweight combatants with one swift shove.

Results:

Rocky Ramirez  (204) Vs  Brandon Halsey (205)

Shad Smith (146) Vs Aaron Miller(146)

Josh Appelt (247) Vs Manny Lara (254.2)

Richard Rigmaden (178.6) Vs Keith Berry (186)

Akop Stepanyan (156) Vs Chris Saunders (154.5)

Sabah Homasi (170.6) Vs Ricky Legere (173)* 2 hours to make weight

Nick Piedmont (146) Vs Cleber Luciano (144.6)

Popo Bezerra (146) Vs Mike Richman (145.4)

Dan Cramer (185.6) Vs Brett Cooper (185.1)

Sultan Aliev (185.8) Vs Doug Marshall (185.1)

Froddo Khasbulaev (145.8) Vs Marlon Sandro (145.8)

UFC on Fuel TV 8 Analysis and Predictions

Posted: March 1, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Main Card:

Siyar Bahadurzada (171) vs. Dong Hyun Kim (171)

The first fight is interesting match up between a savvy veteran and a heavy handed newcomer, making only his second appearance for the UFC. Bahadurzada has high expectations, and faces his toughest fight yet in Kim. Standing across from him is a man who has only lost twice both of whom are current title contenders(Carlos Condit, Demian Maia). However, Bahadurzada should still maintain the edge in the striking department.

Prediction: Bahadurzada via TKO rd 2

Mizuto Hirota (146) vs. Rani Yahya (146) Hirota is making UFC debut after coming over from the now defunct Strikeforce promotion. He will be looking to impress his hometown crowd, and the UFC brass. Coming off a unanimous decision loss to Pat Healy, he will look to pressure an extremely dangerous Roni Yahya. Yahya is one of the best Brazilian jujitsu practitioners in the world, and is looking keep the momentum rolling after choking out Josh Grispi in his last fight.

Prediction: Yahya via Submission rd 1

Hector Lombard (186) vs. Yushin Okami (185) Yushin Okami has revived his career with his last two performances, earning him a big fight in his hometown. There is only one problem, his opponent is one of the most feared men in all of MMA. Hector Lombard showed in his last fight, what was missing in his first, when he dispatched Rousimar Palhares in exquisite fashion. For Lombard, the transition to the UFC had not gone according to plan after losing his debut. In the battle of relevance vs excellence, take the later every time.

Prediction: Lombard via TKO rd 2

Takanori Gomi (156) vs. Diego Sanchez (158)*

“The Fireball Kid” has promised a resurgence so to speak, one that will start a journey to the title near his hometown of Tokyo Japan. at 34-8 there are very few fighters in the 155 pound division with as much experience as Takanori Gomi. With wins in his last two fights, one coming over Mac Danzig, maybe there is some credence to his claims. Gomi’s dream to be champion is put to its next test when he faces another “Dream”, one that was formerly a “Nightmare”. For years Diego “The Nightmare” Sanchez ran roughshod over 2 divisions in the UFC. His aggressive punch for punch style, and granite chin are legendary to fight fans around the world. His style is reminiscent to the Pride days of yesteryear. Now the “Nightmare” is over. For Sanchez his in cage persona became his life persona. Recent injuries, and hardships have forced to pugilist to find meaning outside of the cage. Religion has given Sanchez a new outlook, and a second lease on life. In the cage, however little has changed. He will be looking to overwhelm his opponent with his non stop aggression, and relentless take downs. Early candidate for Fight of the Night.

* SANCHEZ FAILED TO MAKE WEIGHT Agrees to sacrifice 20% of his fight purse.

Prediction: Sanchez via unanimous decision

Mark Hunt (266) vs. Stefan Struve (260)

This is a very interesting match up stylistically. Struve has a combination of skills that can finish the fight in any position. His hands are more than capable of inducing narcolepsy, and his submissions may be one of the best in the division. Add to that arsenal his 7 foot frame, and you would literally have to be outside the cage to be out of his range. Waiting inn the shadow of this “Skyscrapper” is Mark Hunt, ax in hand, ready to chop it down! Not many people in the world can claim they can strike with Mark Hunt. The former K-1 champion may not have the most impressive MMA record, but his recent improvements have been marked, and heads are turning. He will need to utilize his powerful muay thai strikes to wobble, or stagger Struve. However once inside the lengthy range, Hunt has to be weary of Struve’s jujitsu. Most likely Hunt will need to pop in and out, to be effective. This brings his cardio into question.

Prediction: Struve via Submission rd 1

Wanderlei Silva (204) vs. Brian Stann (206)

If Mixed Martial Artists wore military uniforms, very few would be adorned with more accolades and medals than Wanderlei Silva’s. He has been in more wars than Germany! His go for broke style has made him an icon in Japan. Unfortunately his style may no longer suit his chin. Brian Stann will certainly be looking to test that chin early and often. For some reason this fight will be taking place in the 205 lbs division, although Stann has no desire to stay there. For Silva, this could be his last fight as well. Another poor showing will certainly get more people talking retirement. Stann will have the advantage on the ground, his wrestling and strength should be enough to control the jujitsu attack of Silva. Silva although much older and worn, will still maintain a punchers chance. Stann better make sure to keep his chin away from the Wanderlei hooks.

Prediction: Stann via KO rd 2

UFC Fighter Has A Loyal Support in High School Fan!

Posted: February 24, 2013 in Combat Sports
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Contributions by: Mathew Castella

Recently, the UFC cut 16 fighters from their growing roster of over 400. Immediately social media sites latched on to one marquee name, Jon Fitch, who was ranked #9 in the division. The decision to remove Fitch from the roster, as we reported, and Dana White confirmed was purely financial. With his longevity in the promotion Fitch made a significant purse, and at #9 in the division and coming off a loss, he was a long way from any title shot, or even significant contention.

The other fighters that received the hangman’s sentence seemed to be based on performance. With one glaring exemption. Paul Sass (13-2 MMA) and owner of one of the sickest triangle chokes in the history of MMA, burst on too the UFC scene as  an undefeated submission ace with an extremely bright future.

Unlike many fighters, Sass shined under the spotlight. Sass won his first three fights (earning 2 Submission of the Night bonuses along the way!) in the UFC and seemed destined to climb the rankings. Next up for Sass was Matt Wiman, in his home country of England. Unfortunately Wiman was able to secure an arm, and forced the Brit to tap in front of the Nottingham crowd.

In his next fight, Sass faced the grinding assault of Danny Castillo. Castillo utilized his size and superior wrestling to smother the submission game of Sass, earning him the unanimous decision. The consecutive losses, and sheer size and depth of the lightweight division obviously contributed to the decision to remove Sass from the roster. However it seems to many to be very premature to many fans, prompting some to create social media pages dedicated to demanding Sass’s return to the UFC.

The Clinch Report was contacted by a high school student from New York named Matthew Castella who created a social media site asking for Paul Sass’s return to the UFC.

Please check out the link below to join the cause!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Paul-Sass-back-to-the-UFC/349160368529984

started by Matthew Castella a high school student from Long Island New York.

 

Bellator 89 on Spike TV Continues Successful Trend!

Posted: February 16, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Once again Bellator live on Spike TV delivered solid numbers, with regard to viewership. Eduardo Dantas made his return to the Bellator cage to defend his bantamweight title against his friend and mentor Marcos Galvao.  The event peaked once again at over 1 million viewers.

Since debuting on Spike TV, many critics of the promotion thought the initial success was due to the stacked first card. Many thought after the Chandler and Curran title fights, that viewership would fall sharply. They thought the promotion would not be able to keep the fight cards as exciting or interesting to a TV audience.

Once again, after the fighters took control the doubters were silenced. Fireworks and emotion highlighted a very underestimated fight card, and the viewership backed that sentiment up. Former WEC champion Doug Marshall had arguably the best highlight of the evening, when he knocked the taste out of Andreas Spang with a vicious right hand. The KO puts Marshall in excellent position for a title shot as the middleweight tournament rolls on!

Of course the highlight of the night was the emotional title fight that saw life long friends square off for the bantamweight championship. Marcos Galvao won the opportunity to fight for the belt, but knew it would be difficult fighting his friend. Dantas, also was emotional both before and after the scrap, refereeing to Galvao as a mentor, and teacher.

The fight was very exciting and seemed to be pretty evenly matched until a second round uppercut that scrapped the mat, dropped the charging Galvao. Taking advantage of his prey, Dantas swarmed with hammer fists forcing the stoppage! The impressive win will do much to erase his out of promotion loss to Tyson Nam in his last fight.

Now with three division champions that possess dominate wins over tournament challengers, the Bellator product seems secure. The top fighters are starting to create large fan bases based on their longevity as champions! The partnerships with Spike TV, and TNA seem to be not only working, but seem to exceed expectations from both critics and allies the like. By creating their own path, they have secured a niche in MMA, one that continues to offer a bevy of exciting fights, for free.

MMA Elite having some fun!

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MMA Stars doing the Harlem Shake. The guys at MMA Elite always have fun, and once again they make us all laugh!

Video  —  Posted: February 15, 2013 in Combat Sports
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Perfect Timing Makes Everything, well Perfect!

Posted: February 14, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

The moment Daniel Cormier finished Dion Staring the Strikeforce promotion ceased to exist  The roster of over 70 fighters was left wondering who was going to be kept and who was going to be released. At first, only a few names were mentioned including Ronda Rousey. Later an official roster was released to the press, however more names were supposedly going to follow.  Many fighters were waiting for that call from their manager, the call they have been dreaming about since they first began hitting the bag. Every fighter dreams of getting that call from the UFC.

For Long Island MMA Fighter Ryan Laflare, that call never came. But his phone did ring!

Let’s go back two and a half years, when at 6-0 LaFlare was the reigning(and still is) Ring of Combat welterweight champion. Back then the future was guaranteed, for the young fighter who was destroying his opponents wherever the fight went. That is when Ryan Laflare’s phone began ringing. With the UFC in his sights, LaFlare signed with the Strikeforce promotion, which would eventually be bought by ZUFFA (parent company of the UFC). With an unblemished record, and big fight contract LaFlare seemed to be on the verge of greatness.


Then the injuries started mounting. While training for his debut Stikeforce fight LaFlare sustained an injury in training that forced him to withdraw from the fight. With a guaranteed deal, it seemed like only a speed bump. However soon after the injury, the Strikeforce promotion began having major issues with their television contract with Showtime. After it was announced that Stikeforce was closing its doors, LaFlare found himself in a very difficult situation. So he returned in January to The Ring of Combat promotion, and again finished his opponent impressively.

Although he was signed under the ZUFFA umbrella, he never had the opportunity to show his skills on the big stage. He was not alone, this heaved several careers into limbo. Slowly, the UFC  began announcing fighters that were coming over. Big name fighters like Gilbert Melendez, Daniel Cormier, KJ Noons, Ryan Couture, Tyrone Woodley, and many others were immediately mentioned, but still no word about LaFlare. Then it was announced that his teammate and training partner Gian Villante had been added to the roster. Still, no word on LaFlare.

Finally, LaFlare heard from his management Glen Robinson. The burgeoning promotion run by Rey Sefo The World Series of Fighting wanted badly, to have Ryan fight for them. With no other better options, they signed the deal. Then it was announced that he would be fighting UFC veteran Josh Burkman in his WSOF debut.

Last week, a very upbeat LaFlare expressed how excited he was to be fighting Burkman. “Its the biggest fight of my life, this fight means everything.” LaFlare said. Although not the UFC, the young long islander beamed at the chance to fight a big name such as Burkman.


However, the roller coaster ride of emotions had just begun. First, LaFlare and his lovely bride found out they were expecting his second child, a boy. Just when he thought his smile couldn’t grow anymore, the phone rang again! On the other line was his manager Glen Robinson. He told LaFlare that unfortunately he could not fight Burkman, or even for WSOF at all.

It seems that once the match-makers at the UFC realized that they were at risk of losing LaFlare for 4 fights, they decided to retain his contract. They announced that his first fight would be in Sweden, against TUF ‘The Smashes” alumni Ben Alloway. For LaFlare the opponent is not the issue, “Im just glad to be in the UFC, I’ll fight whoever they want me too!” LaFlare said.

With his immediate future set, LaFlare will join his fellow training partners Villante and Dennis Bermudez in the talent rich UFC roster, while Marcos Galvao continues to turn heads in the Bellator organization. Between these three at Long Island MMA/Bellmore Kickboxing Academy and the talent coming out of the Serra/Longo fight team, Long Islands future in this sport seems set for some time to come.

With his first son on the way, a new UFC contract in his pocket Ryan LaFlare can finally stop waiting for the phone to ring. Its never been about the work, as an athlete LaFlare’s work ethic is strong. Opportunity was the only piece of the puzzle missing, and now that the picture is complete, LaFlare can enjoy some of the fruits that his hard work has ensured.


Coalition to Legalize MMA in New York

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Coalition to Legalize MMA in New York

Make sure all of you MMA fans, sign up at this website to help end the reign of political terrorism against our beloved sport. The only reason the sport is still illegal is because of a Culinary Union lobby that has issues with Zuffa (Company that owns the UFC), and their interest in the union-less Station Casino’s in Nevada. Hopefully the stench that this shady operation has caused, may finally be reaching the right noses. We shall See!

 

The Clinch Report is building our Army, and hope that both Fighters and Fans the like join our site. We will be choosing one fighter a month to be our featured fighter. The featured fighter will receive a full Bio, and write up that will be marketed in every blog, forum, and fight page that we are members of. Every fighter needs exposure, well now you have a chance to win some!

For the fans, we will giving away signed merchandise and MMA swag that we have been accumulating over the years. The first giveaway will be a signed Tito Ortiz Official UFC Fight Glove. Who wouldn’t want a free chance to own a former UFC world champions signed fight glove?

To qualify all you have to do, is sign up to follow the website. ONLY WEBSITE FOLLOWERS WILL BE QUALIFIED FOR THE DRAWING. (Facebook is cool but its not the website!)

When the drawing is completed the winners will be contacted.

Get the word out, and follow http://www.theclinchreport.com for your chance to win!

Link  —  Posted: February 14, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
Tags: , , , , , ,

MMA Two Weeks Away from MSG?

Posted: February 14, 2013 in Combat Sports, UFC
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By: Jonathan King The Clinch Report

Finally ZUFFA (The company that owns the UFC) lawyers were able to achieve a major break through with regard to the legalization of MMA in the State of New York. By exploiting a loop-hole the UFC  could begin staging events at the Combat Sports Mecca Madison Square Garden within 2 weeks. The loop-hole allows certain promotions that were grandfathered in, to sanction events. The UFC would have to partner with one of these promotions, but could do so within 2 weeks.

Its not an ideal situation for the UFC, to have to partner for a New York event.  However it is a start. Zuffa has been embroiled in a long standing battle of attrition with leaders of the Culinary Union over the allowance of union employees in the Zuffa owned Station Casino franchise. Basically a politically strong union is using its clout to prevent an entire sport from being legal, because of a personal beef with one organizations ownership group. This gross and obvious cave in to a powerful lobby forced several fighters and the UFC to file suit against the State of New York’s Attorney General.

Not only was this loophole exposed, allowing for MMA in New York, the judge ordered the UFC and the district attorney to settle their issues. Leaving many to speculate that legalization is likely in the near future. For now though, it seems likely that these loopholes will be exploited in the meantime.

This is great news for all MMA organizations, and fighters. Madison Square Garden or MSG for short has been the combat sports capital of the world for years. The marquee has spotlighted boxing and wrestling champions that have defined generations. Men like Hulk Hogan, Mohammed Ali, Jake LaMotta, Bruno Sammartino went from headliners to lunch box covers, and commercial spokesmen. With boxing, pro wrestling, amateur wrestling, and martial arts tournaments already showcased, the State commissions influence is an obvious repulsion of politics. Even the most naive UFC fan, knows that crooked politicians in New York are the reason why MMA is illegal.

Basically this is Zuffa beating both the crooked New York politicians and the disgusting Culinary Union Administrators at their own game.  By punishing an entire organized sport, because of one organizations outside policies (when its not obviously an abhorrent policy, they don’t allow unions, like many other companies!) this political pool of pis-ants, have created a tremendous stench. One that exposes their very practices.

If you care to view the entire documentation of the judgment you can check it out here!

Click to access 2012-09-24-DE034-First_Amended_Complaint.pdf

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